Drilling has evolved over the years, and products have changed throughout this course. It is necessary to utilize oil while drilling for better lubrication. When you add oilfield brine to the mix you now have an abrasive agent that helps to break down debris more efficiently. They also assist in debris sludge removal which is a necessity in the drilling industry. Products for easier drilling consist of brine for solubility and oil for lubrication.

To better understand the brine solution used in the oilfield it is important to understand what the solution consists of, and how it helps ensure the ease and success of drilling. Brine is a high-concentration solution, usually consisting of sodium chloride, calcium, or bromides. This solution is normally manufactured alongside the oil that is used for the drilling process.

Outside factors that can alter the concentration of the solution:

  • The concentration of the salt
  • pH effects
  • Changing temperatures
  • The type of ion used
  • Mixed brine systems

We offer a large number of surfactants for use in the drilling process to ensure better results on the job. To better understand them it is important to have a little insight into the chemistries we offer for brine systems.

Surfactants

Phosphate Esters

Utilizes a longer EO chain which gives more brine tolerance

Better wetting for brine system is possible because of the use of more mono-ester

A longer carbon chain which introduces better emulsification for brine

Polymerics

Synthetic polymers and ethylene as well as propylene oxide block co polymers:

To better improve solubility in the brine it has high electronic density

Pulse amplitude modulation inverters in combination with NPE or ethoxylated alcohols

Non-emulgents for completion/fracking fluids, and enhanced oil recovery

Utilizes emulsifiers for microemulsion of brine and acid

Better solubility is possible because of the higher EO content

Alkyl Polyglycosides

Multitrope 1620 provides high performance such as:

  • 100{d721b6f37f239ba6bd3ca0f3f2f021effccf55942767446084054ab9438da909} renewable biological sources
  • Biodegradable with low ecological stressors
  • Usable across a wide range of brines

Amphoterics

Usable in many brine systems:

  • Saltwater (offshore)
  • Sodium Chloride, Sodium Bromine, Calcium Chloride, and Calcium Bromine solutions (completion fluids)
  • Produced water (250k TDS solution – 17.5{d721b6f37f239ba6bd3ca0f3f2f021effccf55942767446084054ab9438da909} Sodium Chloride plus 7.5{d721b6f37f239ba6bd3ca0f3f2f021effccf55942767446084054ab9438da909} Calcium Chloride)
  • Un-spent and spent 15{d721b6f37f239ba6bd3ca0f3f2f021effccf55942767446084054ab9438da909} Hydrochloric Acid (acidizing fluids)

We have covered the basics of using oilfield brine, a saturated solution that can eliminate problems associated with handling salt, for drilling practices. Common problems such as solid salt handling and residual sludge removal are no longer an issue with the utilization of brine.

Concerning the application utilized in the oilfield, our brine product is useful in regenerating resin beds for water softening. This is possible because sodium ions replace calcium and magnesium ions which help maintain treatment effectiveness. Our brine fluid consists of a heavy density which helps to provide the needed hydrostatic pressure necessary to overcome the borehole pressure created while drilling. The fluid is compatible with a wide range of drilling, workover, and frac fluids commonly used today.

The advantages of using brine versus raw solid salt:

  • Eliminates the handling or disposal of insolubles.
  • Reduces the risk of injury caused by hauling, lifting, storing, and handling salt.
  • Eliminates salt dusting and caking.
  • Requires less manpower.
  • Lengthens pump life.
  • Provides a convenient supply that is dependable.

As we continue to produce more oil we encounter new and challenging conditions. This creates a greater requirement for advanced chemical solutions. Our goal is to create a product to help our customers obtain more efficient operations, increased flow assurance, savings and improve environmental profiling.